MP Shaun Chen announces $110,655 in federal funding for Sheet Metal Workers’ and Roofers’ union project to help apprentices

The Government of Canada will provide over $110,655 for the construction of a Building Information Modelling classroom, delivered by Sheet Metal Workers’ and Roofers’ Union.

The MP from Scarborough North of Ontario on behalf of Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour  Patty Hajdu made the announcement of the project funded under the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP).

The organization will purchase equipment that will help participants, as they develop their skills to help them get jobs in the sheet metal and roofing industries.

As a result of this project, which is being funded under Stream 1 of UTIP, apprentices and existing workers will benefit from a state-of-the-art facility as they learn new skills and enhance their knowledge of new practices in their industry.

Canada’s changing economy and investments in infrastructure make skills training critical to our future. Union-based skills training is a key element to achieving the Government’s commitment to get more people working in the skilled trades while also reducing barriers for apprentices to complete their training.

“Canada’s future success depends on building an economy that is as inclusive as it is innovative. Our government is proud of this project that will help apprentices in Scarborough, and especially those who face additional barriers to participate and succeed in the skilled trades, start exciting and well-paying careers in the trades," Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour said.

“I am thrilled that we were able to secure federal funding for this project, a learning centre that gives workers the skills they need to succeed. This initiative will provide mentorship and training that well equips the next generation of workers. It is especially meaningful that the union is also actively recruiting more women and building a more diverse workforce, and this new state-of-the-art facility will help them do just that,” Shaun  Chen said.

“We are excited to be receiving this grant.  It will help us to provide the best possible training and upgrading for our members.  It will also help us to attract new ones.  We want to bring more inclusiveness and diversity to our trade, and better training will raise the profile of the trade.  It will make it more attractive to those who might not have looked at sheet metal work before,” said Lea West, Director of Organizing, Sheet Metal Workers’ and Roofers’ Local 30.

(Reporting by Suman Das)